root rot?

[kforsythe]

Hello! Please help! My husband got me an Oncidium for Mother's day and I think I've killed it.
I first noticed the psuedobulbs shriveling and so I started watering it more often and now two leaves have turned yellow. I pulled it out of the bark and noticed the roots (particularly the one that is yellowing) are brown and mushy while the other bulbs roots are more white and dry. Not totally sure what I am looking for here. The bark the orchid is in does not feel very wet to me, just barely damp. I started to trim the brown roots, but stopped fearing I would make things worse.
the more I read on orchid care the more confused I get.
Can someone please help me?!
thank you!

[Ross]

Oncidium are a lot like like Cats and other high-light, dry cycle orchids. They like very high light, very high moisture during watering periods, followed by a total dry out. The roots that show white are still viable. The ones showing brown mush are just about done-for. Hope this helps.

[kforsythe]

Now what? Can I save it?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Depends...are there any living roots left?

If so, then yes there a chance it'll survive. If not, those odds dropped drastically.

As a general rule Oncidiums should be watered 2-3 times a week depending on how fast the roots (not just the medium) dries out. Make sure they dry out completely before watering again.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Oh, and water less during the cooler periods.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you don't know what a healthy root looks like, here's a pic.

[kforsythe]

Thanks for your help! I moved it outside. The
remaining leaves are still green and its been a month now. I think its ok. I stuck a bamboo skewer in the pot and only water when its dry. I read that somewhere..genius!